Texas Rangers Blog

News and notes: Scheppers to be in bullpen; Rangers hoping to trade OF Borbon; Leonys Martin likely to start in CF in opener

Washington confirmed that Tanner Scheppers, who pitched 39 games in relief last season, again would be part of his bullpen. He will be one of the candidates to replace Mike Adams as the eighth-inning set-up man for closer Joe Nathan. “We have no set roles,” Washington said of his relievers other than Nathan. “They will tell us what roles they’ll play.”

Washington said he plans to talk with center fielders Craig Gentry and Leonys Martin on Saturday about their roles. Both have had excellent springs, exceeding Washington’s expectations. The Astros have announced they will start right-hander Bud Norris in Sunday night’s regular-season opener. That apparently would make Martin, a left-handed batter, the first-game starter.

Left-handed pitcher Brad Mills cleared waivers and was assigned to Triple-A Round Rock. The move leaves the Rangers with two vacancies on the 40-man roster which will go to infielder Jeff Baker and pitcher Derek Lowe.

The Rangers remain hopeful of trading outfielder Julio Borbon, who is out of options and not expected to clear waivers. The Rangers have until 2 p.m. Sunday to decide on their roster. Borbon said he believes the Astros, Mets, Cubs, and Rays have expressed interest in him.

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